Gov. Brown proposes 50% renewables goal in inaugural speech

Gov. Jerry Brown (D) received plenty of early support for his proposal, in his Jan. 5 inaugural speech, to get half of California’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

A lawyer who represents renewable energy developers said the media coverage of Brown’s goal has sparked interest from the public as well as renewables advocates. “I’ve gotten several calls from landowners saying, ‘I have land I’d like to lease to a wind developer, can you give me a call?'” said Jerry Bloom, chairman of the law firm Winston & Strawn’s energy practice.

Observers say the goal—as well as Brown’s other inaugural pledges to halve petroleum use and double the efficiency of existing buildings—points to sweeping changes in how California plans for and procures its energy. (complete article)